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Exhibits & Contests | In-person Programs | Online & Broadcast Programs
Exhibits & Contests
Possibility, Promise: A One Read Art Exhibit
Submission period: August 26-27.
The exhibit will take place September 1-30, and can be viewed in person at the September 2 First Friday reception at Orr Street Studios.
Flash Fiction Writing Contest
Submissions are accepted September 1-24.
Small Town Portraits Art Exhibit
Southern Boone County Public Library, Ashland
September 1-30
Throughout the month of September come to the Southern Boone County Public Library in Ashland to see art inspired by “The Big Door Prize.” This exhibit is a collaboration with the Mid-Missouri Art Alliance. Participants in the “Draw Inspiration From One Read” event may add their work to the exhibit after September 10.
One Read Travels to Downtown Fulton
Callaway Bank window, Court Street, Fulton
September 12-26
Stop by this creative display celebrating themes from this year’s community reading book.
In-person Programs
The following programs are taking place in-person. Attendance may be limited, and masks may be requested at these venues.
One Read First Thursday Book Discussion With Gwen Struchtemeyer
Columbia Public Library, Friends Room
Thursday, September 1 › Noon-1 p.m.
Educator Gwen Struchtemeyer will lead a discussion of this year’s One Read selection “The Big Door Prize” by M.O. Walsh. For 25 years, Struchtemeyer worked for Columbia Public Schools as an English teacher, media specialist and, finally, as coordinator for gifted education. Seating is limited, so please register. Masks requested.
Possibility, Promise: A One Read Art Exhibit at First Friday Art Walk
Orr Street Studios – 106 Orr St., Columbia
Friday, September 2 › 6-9 p.m.
Inspired by this year’s One Read book, Mid-Missouri artists submitted works that explore the idea of potential, that capture a transformation or that investigate what someone or something might become. View the exhibit and enjoy live music during the First Friday Art Walk. Awards announced at approximately 6:15 p.m. Masks may be required if COVID levels are elevated. The exhibit will take place September 1-30, and can be viewed in person at the September 2 First Friday reception at Orr Street Studios.
One Read Goes to College
Columbia Public Library, Friends Room
Wednesday, September 7 › 7-8 p.m.
Scholars from each of Columbia’s college campuses will discuss this year’s One Read book, “The Big Door Prize,” from their academic perspectives, then invite audience comment and discussion. We’ll have Blake Nielsen, professor of psychology at Columbia College; Kate Berneking Kogut, associate professor of English and creative writing at Stephens College; and Rebecca Scott, associate professor of sociology at the University of Missouri.
Impromptu Reads – Tarot and Books
Skylark Bookshop – 22 S. 9th St., Columbia
Thursday, September 8 › 5-6 p.m.
In this year’s One Read selection, “The Big Door Prize,” a machine purports to reveal a person’s true life calling. At this event, we’ll build on that theme, using tarot card readings which can suggest insight into an individual’s past, present and future. Clarise-Elise Keith, palmist and tarot reader, will provide tarot readings. Then, based on what’s revealed in your reading, Skylark Bookshop staff will recommend corresponding book titles. Join us at Skylark for what is sure to be a creative and engaging evening!
Draw Inspiration From One Read
Southern Boone County Library, Meeting Room
Saturday, September 10 › 1-3 p.m.
The Mid Missouri Arts Alliance (MMAA) and the Southern Boone County Public Library invite readers to a unique exploration of this year’s One Read book, “The Big Door Prize.” Participants can draw or make a collage based on a storyline or character in the book. Finished art will be displayed in the library through September as part of the “Small Town Potraits” art exhibit. Heidi Mendez of MMAA will demonstrate drawing based on the Betty Edwards technique using #2 pencils and an eraser to create images. Gail Raskin will assist with collage-making and examples will be available. All art materials will be provided. Please register for this event to ensure enough materials will be available.
Second Acts in American Life
Center for Human Performance, Room 101, William Woods University, Fulton
Monday, September 12 › 3:30-4:30 p.m.
When the characters in M.O. Walsh’s “The Big Door Prize” learn they are destined to do something else, they drop everything they’ve known and start over. They are indulging in a most American act of reinvention. This presentation, a part of our One Read community reading program and led by William Woods University English professor Matt Dube, will explore the desire we sometimes have to start over.
One Read Snack & Chat Book Discussion With Jerilyn Hahn
Callaway County Public Library, Friends Room
Tuesday, September 12 › Noon-1 p.m.
Join us for a lively book discussion of this year’s One Read selection, “The Big Door Prize,” as we discover how the numerous themes in the novel relate to our individual lives and personal experiences. Feel free to bring your lunch; light snacks will be provided.
Like Sunshine Feeding Daisies: The Lover/Beloved Dialectic in “The Big Door Prize”
Stafford Library Classroom, Columbia College – 703 Rangeline, Columbia
Tuesday, September 13 › 4-5 p.m.
One of the appeals of this year’s One Read selection, “The Big Door Prize,” is the characterization of relationships among the residents of Deerfield, Louisiana, especially the marriage of high school sweethearts, Douglas and Cherilyn Hubbard. Dr. Mark Price, professor of philosophy at Columbia College, will explore how themes of subjectivity and objectivity play out in this love relationship.
One Read Vision Boards: Creating Your Own Possibilities
Callaway County Public Library, Friends Room
Tuesday, September 13 › 6:30-7:30 p.m.
In this year’s One Read book, “The Big Door Prize,” a machine reveals a person’s destiny based on DNA. Are you curious about your destiny? Join Peggy Reed-Lohmeyer, a licensed clinical social worker, as she guides you in creating vision boards exploring your personal goals and desires which may bring out unexpected discoveries about your life choices and wishes. Supplies provided.
One Read Book Discussion With Mayor Buffaloe
Columbia Public Library, Children’s Program Room
Tuesday, September 13 › 7-8 p.m.
Be a part of this annual One Read tradition as Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe and spouse Luke discuss “The Big Door Prize” by M.O. Walsh. Please register to help us manage attendance.
A Conversation With Rita Reed: At the Missouri Photo Workshop Exhibit
McDougall Center Gallery, Lee Hills Hall – 715 Elm St., Columbia
Wednesday, September 14 › 6-7 p.m.
Rita Reed will discuss obstacles and solutions to growing up gay in a small town as a part of this year’s One Read program, focused on “The Big Door Prize,” by M.O. Walsh. The talk will take place at the Missouri Photo Workshop Exhibit, a display of work documenting small Missouri towns and telling “truth with a camera.” You can view the Missouri Photo Workshop Exhibit daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., September 8-30.
One Read Snack & Chat Book Discussion With Jerilyn Hahn
Holts Summit Public Library, Meeting Room
Thursday, September 15 › 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Join us for a lively book discussion of this year’s One Read selection, “The Big Door Prize,” as we discover how the numerous themes in the novel relate to our individual lives and personal experiences. Feel free to bring your lunch; light snacks will be provided.
One Read Panel Discussion
Columbia Public Library, Friends Room
Thursday, September 15 › 7-8 p.m.
Join us for this annual favorite event as former KFRU radio host David Lile moderates a discussion of “The Big Door Prize” with local experts, each sharing their individual experiences and expertise related to the One Read selection. Please register to help us manage attendance.
John Prine Listening Party and Live Performances
Sinquefield Music Center, Room 130 – 1101 University Ave., Columbia
Friday, September 16 › 7-8 p.m.
Join us in celebrating the music of John Prine and this year’s One Read selection, “The Big Door Prize.” Check out our curated Spotify playlist, then gather to hear live performances from local musicians and discuss how Prine’s music is related to the book. Enjoy performances from Dave Angle & Dave Dearnley; Dr. Lisa Higgins, director of the Missouri Folk Arts Program at Mizzou’s Museum of Art & Archaeology; and Dr. Megan Murph, director of the Budds Center for American Music Studies at Mizzou. Please register.
“Seventeen” A One Read Film
Ragtag Cinema – 10 Hitt St., Columbia
Monday, September 19 › 6-8:30 p.m.
Produced as part of the PBS Middletown project focused on the different social institutions in Muncie, Indiana, the documentary “Seventeen” (1983) immerses us in a group of seniors at Muncie’s Southside High School as they experience their final year in high school together. Directors Joel De Mott and Jeff Krienes capture the teens’ daily lives with an intimate observational lens as the group navigates this turning point with uncertainty and experimentation. Reflective on the themes explored in this year’s One Read selection “The Big Door Prize,” “Seventeen” is an honest and moving exploration of the ups and downs of young adulthood in small town America. The screening will be preceded by a talk on teen mental health. (Not rated, 120 mins)
You can pick up free tickets to this show at Ragtag starting at noon the day of the show. See full policy here.
I’m Listening: A One Read Panel on Teen Mental Health
Boone County History & Culture Center – 3801 Ponderosa St, Columbia
Wednesday, September 21 › 7-8 p.m.
There are high rates of depression, anxiety and suicidal behavior among today’s youth. How can we as parents, educators and community members help our young people? Come learn the warning signs and intervention skills to help our young people survive and thrive. This event is in conjunction with One Read, addressing one of the themes of this year’s book, “The Big Door Prize.” Co-sponsored by the Boone County History & Culture Center and Children’s Grove.
Families, Purpose and Reality
Columbia Public Library, Friends Room
Thursday, September 22 › 4-5 p.m.
Drs. Sarah Lirley and Aurelien Mauxion from Columbia College, will give a brief presentation and then lead a discussion of this year’s One Read selection. Drawing on their respective knowledge of sociology and history, they will discuss related themes in “The Big Door Prize.” Come talk about life and social relationships in small towns; families; life’s potential and purpose and the construction of reality.
One Read Vision Boards: Creating Your Own Possibilities
Holts Summit Public Library, Meeting Room
Thursday, September 22 › 5:30-6:30 p.m.
In this year’s One Read book, “The Big Door Prize,” a machine reveals a person’s destiny based on DNA. Are you curious about your destiny? Join Peggy Reed-Lohmeyer, a licensed clinical social worker, as she guides you in creating vision boards exploring your personal goals and desires which may bring out unexpected discoveries about your life choices and wishes. Supplies provided.
One Read Author Talk: M.O. Walsh
Launer Auditorium, Columbia College – 1001 Rogers Street, Columbia
Tuesday, September 27 › 7-8 p.m.
Hear One Read author M.O. Walsh talk about his book “The Big Door Prize,” his writing process and his inspiration for the novel. After his remarks, he’ll answer questions from the audience and sign copies of the book. You can also watch a livestream of the event at the Callaway County Public Library in Fulton and hear it live on KOPN 89.5-FM. Masks requested.
Watch Party — One Read Author Talk: M.O. Walsh
Callaway County Public Library, Friends Room
Tuesday, September 27 › 7-8 p.m.
The in-person event at Columbia College will be livestreamed at the Callaway County Public Library, and you’ll be able to ask questions at the end.
Who Do You Think You Are?: Using DNA in Genealogy Research
Columbia Public Library, Friends Room
Wednesday, September 28 › 1-2 p.m.
In this year’s One Read selection, “The Big Door Prize,” residents of a small Louisiana town are convinced that their DNA can reveal their life’s true potential. What can our DNA really tell us about who we are and where we come from? Staff member and genealogist Tim Dollens will talk about the types of DNA tests currently possible and how to apply the results to genealogical research through a case study.
The Next Chapter: Making a Career Change
Columbia Public Library, Friends Room
Wednesday, September 28 › 7-8 p.m.
In this year’s One Read selection “The Big Door Prize,” a school principal leaves her administrative job to become a carpenter. A jazz musician takes up magic. A mayor contemplates becoming a cowboy. If you have ever considered a career change, or if you left an unsatisfying job during “the great resignation,” then this discussion is for you. Jay Sparks, entrepreneurship program coordinator at REDI, will lead a discussion with panelists who have made career changes or reinvented their working selves in some way. Learn from their personal experiences and practical advice for changing your professional path.
The Magic of Small Towns
Center for Human Performance, Room 100, William Woods University, Fulton
Thursday, September 29 › 2-3 p.m.
What is it about small towns, with their insularity, gossip and muddled history, that makes them such rich settings for magical events like those in M.O. Walsh’s “The Big Door Prize“? This presentation by William Woods University English professor Matt Dube will explore that question, with reference to examples both actual and literary.
First Thursday Book Discussion: One Read Runner-Up
Columbia Public Library, Children’s Program Room
Thursday, October 6 › Noon-1 p.m.
Join us to discuss “Deacon King Kong” by James McBride, the One Read runner-up book. This exuberant work of historical fiction follows the fate of a largely Black and Latinx cast of characters living in and around a New York housing project in the fall of 1969 after a hard-drinking church deacon known as Sportcoat shuffles into the courtyard and – in front of everyone – shoots the ear off of the local drug dealer. This event brings all elements of the neighborhood into Sportcoat’s orbit, from the Five Ends Baptist Church members and a white policeman trying to protect the old man, to mob bosses and drug kingpins seeking revenge. Throw in a bit of romance, mystery and a hidden treasure, and you’ve got a romp of a novel that paints a vivid portrait of a community undergoing enormous change.
Online & Broadcast Programs
Attend or participate in the following programs from the comfort of your home. Please visit the links below to register for live Zoom events.
Speaking of the Arts: Interview With Author M.O. Walsh
Broadcast on 89.5FM/KOPN
Thursday, September 1 › 7-8 p.m.
KOPN host Diana Moxon interviews One Read author M.O. Walsh about his writing and the inspiration for this year’s selection, “The Big Door Prize.”
One Read Author Talk: M.O. Walsh
Broadcast on 89.5FM/KOPN
Tuesday, September 27 › 7-8 p.m.
Listen live on KOPN as One Read author M.O. Walsh talks about his book “The Big Door Prize,” his writing process and his inspiration for the novel. The in-person event at Columbia College will be also be livestreamed at the Callaway County Public Library in Fulton.
Online One Read Book Discussion
Live event via Zoom
Sunday, September 18 › 1-2 p.m.
Join library staff online to discuss this year’s One Read selection, “The Big Door Prize” by M.O. Walsh. Please register to receive a Zoom link.